Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

Course overview

The class of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are widely prescribed for conditions of primary hypertension. Hypertension is a very common disease that affects approximately 75 million Americans or roughly 1 in 3 adults. ACE inhibitors also have distinct, specific advantages for treating hypertensive patients who have chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, and myocardial infarction. They are known to prevent mortality related to a cardiovascular event. Except for captopril and lisinopril, the ACE inhibitors are pro-drugs, changed in the liver to a pharmacologically active metabolite. ACE inhibitors may differ in their pharmacokinetic properties, such as peak blood levels and effect on blood pressure depending on the drug. No Test Required!